This blog's tips, ideas and techniques are ideal for leaders and managers of all types of small to large businesses and organizations.
What you'll read about is primarily based on what I've learned from a variety of mentors, co-workers and supervisors over the past 30 years...along with what I continue to learn every day.
-- Eric Jacobson -- formerly a Senior Vice President at Penton Media in Overland Park, Kansas (Kansas City, Missouri).

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Portrait Of A Leader

You'll definitely want to read the September 2013 issue of Inc. magazine, which features its annual list of the 500 fastest growing, private companies in America.

The entire issue is a interesting and revealing read. For example, the top metro area with the most companies on the list is San Antonio, TX. And, California is the state with the most companies on the list.

What I enjoyed most in the issue was the Portrait of a Leader infographic. The magazine asked the founders and CEOs of the Inc. 500 companies a series of questions. And, here's what they discovered:

Of the 21 traits associated with outstanding leaders, the CEOs ranked trustworthiness first; sincerity second; and capacity to inspire third.

1 comment:

It's interesting that the CEOs ranked trustworthiness so high. In a world where it seems CEOs are trusted less and less, you've got to wonder why they're not inspiring the trust they feel is so important.

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About Me

Welcome to my Blog.
Most important, I firmly believe a leader can make or break a company, a business, a group or an organization.
It all depends on what that leader does or doesn't do.
Good management and leadership skills can be learned.
My success came from applying important management and leadership skills that I learned from skilled mentors, a variety of supervisors, books, magazines, and from valuable feedback from employees.
Because I am passionate about being a good leader I am eager to share what I have learned through the years.
Much of what you read on my Blog may not be new to you, but hopefully, it’ll serve as a good reminder of things to consider when you lead your next employee, team or group.
I’m also keen on customer service and the importance of providing superb customer service to make a business successful, so watch for some tips on customer service on the Blog as well.
Thank you for engaging with my Blog.
Eric Jacobson (Overland Park, KS)

Leaders:

How To Show Respect For Your Employees

GEN X Employees -- Like having their professionalism and growing knowledge valued.

BABY BOOMER Employees -- Like having decades of work experience and input still valued.

Source: Entrepreneur, March 2009

Be A Visible Leader

Walk around. Make conversation with your team. Maintain your visibility with your employees at all levels. Don't limit your time for only your direct reports.

Be A Good Coach

Coaching is the single most important part of expanding others' capabilities. Coaching is the difference between giving orders and teaching people how to get things done.Source: "Execution--The Discipline Of Getting Things Done"

Promote Shared Creativity With Your Employees

As the book "The DNA Of Leadership" suggests, ask your employees:* How would you handle this?* What resources do you need to get the job done?* What impact is this going to have on you? On others?

How To Be An Expert Listener

* Look at the speaker* Ask questions to clarify* Repeat for clarity* Nod, smile* Don't interrupt* Help the speaker stay on topic

Note From Eric

In my Blog I'll use the words manager and leader. Sometimes I'll use them both in my postings as being interchangeable. However, as a manager, you should strive to be a leader. Hopefully, the tips and ideas you'll read in the Blog will help you to become a true leader.